Kim Novak is virtually immortalized in Hitchcock’s brilliant 1958 psychological thriller “Vertigo” depicting Judy Barton. She has retired from acting ever since she and director Mike Figgis clashed repeatedly over the script in 1991 during the filming of “Liebestraum.” She walked off the set and left Hollywood behind. Her days as a Hollywood golden age actress brought her fame, success, and a lavish lifestyle conducted with grace and elegance.
In the 1950s, a brand-new Cadillac represented prestige and honor, it was the unequivocal symbol of success. The unforgettable bombshell bought herself a fancy Cadillac for a handsome but breezy sum of $13,000. The 1957 Cadillac 62 convertible was GM’s premier luxury vehicle. It lorded over the industry as Lincoln, Packard, and Imperial fell behind.
Rita Hayworth — 1953 Cadillac Ghia
The only thing more gorgeous than the glamorous Rita Hayworth might be her 1953 Cadillac Ghia. She got it after her estranged husband discovered the coupe in 1953 at the Paris Auto Salon. To get back on her good graces, he purchased the re-bodied, Italian-designed V-8 beauty packaged in lovely bodywork. It cost him $7,750. At the time, you could purchase a house with that kind of money.
While it wasn't enough for her to take him back, Hayworth kept the car. After the divorce, she also maintained custody of their daughter. The car is a bonafide Hollywood relic, even making a cameo in the superhero film "Iron Man 2." While it was white when Hayworth took it, it’s now a deep burgundy and resides at the Petersen Museum.
Sugar Ray Robinson — 1950 Cadillac
Sugar Ray Robinson became the boxing champion of the world, with a 91-day winning streak that is the stuff of legends. He retired in 1965 with an all-time record of 108 knockouts. Despite earning a whopping $4 million during his career, he had spent it all by the time he retired. He struggled financially until 1989 when he passed away.
And along the way, he purchased lots of lavish items. One is the flamingo-pink Cadillac you see here. In the picture, he is posing in front of his Harlem club. It was a source of pride and joy for him. The 1950 Cadillac cost him $5,000. The man also spent a great deal of money on the 13-man entourage that accompanied him and included a hairdresser.
Diana Dors — 1956 Cadillac
Diana Dors adored her delicate pink 1956 Cadillac. That year, she majestically arrived at the Cannes Film Festival in this fine luxury automobile. The English film actress and singer came to the screen as a late-1940s bombshell knock-out, promoted and exploited by her husband in risqué film comedies. She became known as “the English Marilyn Monroe.”
By the late ‘60s, she fell into bankruptcy. Fewer roles came her way as her tax bill was higher than her earnings. In the mid-’70s, she came back in demand starring in a slew of adult comedies. She also enjoyed a resurgence on television. No word if she was able to hold onto this magnificent Cadillac!
Marvin Gaye — 1967 Cadillac El Dorado
Soul music legend Marvin Gaye popularized “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and contributed heavily to R&B with ballads like “Sexual Healing.” His distinctive Motown voice is commemorated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an honor he would not live to know of. It’s too bad, too, because he lost his life after a falling out with his father, a former Pentecostal minister.
Gaye was just 44, perishing a day before his 45th birthday. While he lived, he loved his Caddy. Gaye had a Cadillac El Dorado back in 1967. The customized ride ran him $5,626, a substantial chunk of cash, but worth it to travel in class. By that time, his hit singles allowed him to pick up yet another Caddy, a 1971 Cadillac de Ville. He also owned two jeeps for off-road travel.
Sophia Loren — 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
Posing with the veritable race car for numerous photo shoots, the iconic Sophia Loren doted over her sleek 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL. The car held a special place in her heart. As the only vehicle that could possibly match her glamour, it was gifted to her by her loving husband, Italian filmmaker Carlo Ponti. He purchased the 3.0-liter 215 HP, 4-speed manual gearbox Gullwing for about $7,000, but today a restored model will go for $1.4 million!
The lavish Benz model was also owned by showbiz elites such as Elvis Presley and Clark Gable. Loren also loved other cars that matched her class. She drove an Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a Ferrari 275 GTS, and a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II. But nothing could match the love she felt for this beauty.
Marlon Brando — 1955 Ford Thunderbird
The eight-time Oscar-nominated film great dazzled the screen and stage with memorable performances in films such as "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Godfather." He loved cars. He also loved motorbikes. While filming the classic rebel movie, "The Wild One," Brando rode his personal Triumph Thunderbird 6T motorcycle. Here is his 1955 Ford Thunderbird.
The embodiment of American luxury was introduced as an alternative to Chevrolet’s new Corvette. The Thunderbird boasted a 4.8-liter Y-block V8 and a $2,444 sticker price. The two-seat convertible became the high bar of motor refinement, focusing on driver comfort. Ford quite literally invented the personal luxury car with this model. It featured fender skirts and a removable fiberglass top. Brando adored his.
Janet Guthrie — 1953 Jaguar XK-120
Janet Guthrie is the first woman to race in both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. The historic feat takes us back to 1976. She became the first woman to race for NASCAR that same year. A pilot, flight instructor, and aerospace engineer, Guthrie's work on the project that would eventually become Project Apollo took a back seat to her racing career.
One of the first women athletes inducted into the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame, Guthrie's first race car was a 1953 Jaguar XK 120 M coupe. She competed in hill climbs, auto races, and field trials. She built her own engines, towed the car to races, and served as her own crew.
John Wayne — Pontiac Grand Safari
One of the legends of Hollywood’s Golden Age, John Wayne drove a seventies-vintage Pontiac Grand Safari. He had it customized by Barris Kustom because it needed a roof lift. “The Duke” was a big man. So, the Grand Safari was custom fit for his 6-foot-4 frame and his ten-gallon cowboy hat. In 1972, the fully-loaded wagon was equipped with every modern feature, costing Wayne over $5,000.
The Grand Safari was massive. At 5,090 pounds, it was their heaviest model. It housed a 200 horsey, 455-cubic-inch V8 engine with a 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission. In 2014, Barris customized it again, giving it a facelift inside and out. The restored vehicle sold for $60,000. Now the car is held at the John Wayne Birthplace Museum.
Robert Redford — 1964 Porsche 904 GTS
Silver screen legend and Sundance Film Festival founder Robert Redford has brought us a wide variety of films throughout his seven-decade career. He’s a bit on the quiet side, but he divulged to Playboy Magazine that he drives hybrid cars and has used eco-friendly energy sources like wind generation at his Utah home since 1975. He also admitted to a guilty pleasure.
He loves racing petrol hounds; namely, his beloved 1964 Porsche 904 GTS. He purchased the rare Irish green race car in 1966. Only 100 of the 904s were produced. The vintage two-seater is built for competition, but it’s also a street-ready driving indulgence. It’s considered the first supercar ever built. In 2019 it went up for auction at Bonhams. No more petrolhead guilt on Mr. Redford’s conscience.
Kim Novak — 1957 Cadillac 62 Convertible
Kim Novak is virtually immortalized in Hitchcock’s brilliant 1958 psychological thriller "Vertigo" depicting Judy Barton. She has retired from acting ever since she and director Mike Figgis clashed repeatedly over the script in 1991 during the filming of "Liebestraum." She walked off the set and left Hollywood behind. Her days as a Hollywood golden age actress brought her fame, success, and a lavish lifestyle conducted with grace and elegance.
In the 1950s, a brand-new Cadillac represented prestige and honor, it was the unequivocal symbol of success. The unforgettable bombshell bought herself a fancy Cadillac for a handsome but breezy sum of $13,000. The 1957 Cadillac 62 convertible was GM’s premier luxury vehicle. It lorded over the industry as Lincoln, Packard, and Imperial fell behind.
Angie Dickinson — 1962 Cadillac DeVille
Another Golden Age Hollywood legend is Angie Dickinson. She’s known for being a part of the avant-garde “Rat Pack” with film elites Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart. Frank Sinatra led the Pack after Bogart passed away. Dickinson and Sinatra got into a 10-year relationship after she played his wife in "Ocean’s Eleven," the original film.
She’s already celebrated her 90th birthday with a six-decade showbiz career behind her. The Hollywood starlet drove a Caddy, naturally. What else? She paid $6,600 for her classy car. The 1962 Cadillac DeVille is a popular collector car and, fully restored, it is worth twice what she paid today!
Clark Gable — 1935 Cadillac
As the most consistent box-office actor in history, slapping down $4,645 for a brand-new 1935 Cadillac was expected of Clark Gable. And, of course, it was just one of his many luxurious vehicles. The 1935 Cadillac pictured here is an elegant car, no doubt, an example of the man’s classiness. Another Cadillac he owned in 1935, called the Duesenberg, was exclusive.
The ultra-rare convertible coupe is one of 10 models and it was featured in the 1938 film "Merrily We Live." It was offered at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance auction but interestingly failed to sell. A $6.4 million bid was not high enough for the seller. The reason the famous actor got rid of it? Women would swarm him as he drove the beauty down the road.
Marlene Dietrich — 1934 Cadillac
Straight from the golden age of Hollywood, here we have actress Marlene Dietrich. She first made silent films, having started her acting career in 1920s Berlin. It was the 1930 movie "The Blue Angel" that brought her to fame. Her trademark expressive and sensual eyes captivated audiences.
The elegant actress chose to drive cars as beautiful and classy as herself. Dietrich picked out this sophisticated machine, the 1934 Cadillac. She purchased this lavish automobile in the middle of the Great Depression for $3,145, which was literally a fortune to most Americans. Movie stars like Ms. Dietrich, however, still got their ample Hollywood money.
Ann-Margaret — 1962 Cadillac
The beautiful Ann-Margaret became an iconic American bombshell. Launching that attention was her role in Viva Las Vegas. Her sizzling hot film relationship with Elvis Presley got steamy off-camera too. Elvis was 28, and Ann-Margret was 22. She had just struck fame starring in "Bye Bye Birdie."
Elvis and Ann-Margret tumbled wildly in love while the charming actress shot to stardom. As a chart-topping vocal artist, she had the talent, looks, and funds to get behind a fancy wheel. She purchased the requisite Caddy — the symbol of wealth and taste — paying $6,600 for the 1962 Cadillac. Ah, inflation. That was a lot of money in the 1960s!
Sir Sean Connery — 1964 Jensen C-V8
Legendary James Bond actor Sean Connery has starred alongside some real beauties in his lifetime. In his second Bond film, "From Russia with Love," a Bentley Mark IV served as the agent’s steadfast partner. There was also the stunning Aston Martin DB5 from 1954's "Goldfinger." So, it’s no surprise Connery might've wanted to commandeer a fine automobile off-screen too.
Connery purchased a 1964 Jensen C-V8 for £2,000 just after filming "You Only Live Twice." On its day, it was one of the fastest 4-seater cars available with top speeds of 130 mph. The Shropshire, U.K. vehicle had a classic look, even when it was brand new. Years later, the Jensen Museum acquired the car. While there, it was painstakingly restored in its original factory green with beige trim.
Jean Harlow — 1931 Cadillac 370A V12
While her career was cut short at the young age of 26, Jean Harlow was hailed as one of the most celebrated movie stars of all time by the American Film Institute. Like many stars of the time, the 1930s "It Girl" was drawn to the good life, and cruising down Hollywood in her Cadillac V-12 was one example of that.
The 1931 Cadillac 370A V12 Roadster was the most magnificent car of that year. The chrome side mount covers and wind wings made it a real stunner in its day. This car fit Jean Harlow like a glove and was the perfect set of wheels for her opulent and sensational image that she was known for back then.
Clint Eastwood — Pink Cadillac
The symbol of 1960s manliness came in the form of Clint Eastwood. While many say he still is today, he was undeniably the chiseled hero of the 50s and 60s. It's probably why only he could get away with cruising around town in a shiny pink Cadillac convertible, as seen in the film suitably named "Pink Cadillac."
The color that wasn't even on the market before the film ultimately became the symbol of post-war American extravagance and beauty. This classic beauty complemented Eastwood well and the image of his co-star Bernadette Peters leaning on the pink babe magnet is super iconic. Then again, Clint can look good in anything.
Tom Mix — Cord 812
Tom Mix, much like the characters he depicted on screen, was a real-life maverick. Drawn to horses from a young age, this cowboy in the making became a star horse wrangler. Having that special flair and showmanship, Mix quickly found himself in parades and events where he would show off his skills.
Given his pioneer status, Mix was attracted to really fast cars. Case in point, the Cord 812. Sadly, it was the speed and adventure that got the better of him. On one fateful day in 1940, Tom Mix was speeding down an Arizona highway and went over a bridge. Unfortunately, due to the speed, he missed the sign that read "under construction" and plowed into the water.
Richard Burton — 1956 Cadillac Series 62
This legendary Shakespearean actor was known first and foremost for his mellifluous baritone voice. It was that that gave him the perfect nickname of "The Voice of Whales." The actor, looking the way he did, had quite a turbulent love life, having been married not once, not twice, not three times... but five times (twice to Elizabeth Taylor).
As eye-catching as the actor was to his many female fans and Hollywood starlets, he was not on par with his beautiful 1956 Cadillac Series 62 convertible. The Welsh actor treasured his car dearly and rightly so! The American beauty was a true gem in its day, even to a classic Welsh thespian!
Ronald Reagan — Jeep CJ-6
It might be surprising to learn that the 40th president was, in fact, a fan of the Jeep. While Reagan would remain presidential as ever in chauffeur-driven luxury cars, back home on his Rancho del Cielo in California’s Santa Ynez mountains, he had his CJ-6 parked in the driveway. The jeep was a gift from his wife Nancy that she bought for him for Christmas in 1963.
The red CJ-6 was actually originally green and featured side-facing rear bench seats, a 134 cubic-inch flathead four-cylinder engine, Dana axles, a Spicer transfer case, and an 8,000-pound winch. According to Reagan's Attorney General (and old friend), the President loved driving it on his vacations. You can see the Jeep today on display in an enclosure in the National Mall.
Elvis Presley — 1968 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe
The Rock 'n Roll king's 1968 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe has a legendary story behind it. It was December 28, 1967, and the Topaz Gold Firemist stunner, parked outside the Memphis showroom caught the eye of our Elvis. Without a moment's hesitation and being at the top of the rock game, Presley pulled out his checkbook and bought it.
That was his car for the next 13 months until he shot in the right front fender when it wouldn't start. You can see the bullet hole is still there to this day. On February 1, 1968, Elvis gave the car to his wife's stepfather as a gift. The roadster was sold in 1994 to the Memphis Rock Cafe in Queensland, Australia, and appeared shortly in an exhibition where it was put on display in an air condition glass enclosure.
Nat King Cole — Messerschmitt KR200
The jazz pianist and chart-topping crooner behind the classics like "Unforgettable," "L-O-V-E," and more had a little gem for a car. Well, little might be an understatement. While the singer's fellow entertainers may have been cruising around in giant and lavish Cadillacs, Nat King Cole opted for a tiny little cabin scooter called the Messerschmitt KR200, or Kabinenroller (literally cabin scooter in German).
The three-wheeled bubble car was designed by a German aircraft engineer named Fritz Fend. Production of the automobile lasted between 1955 and 1964 and was produced in the Messerschmitt factory. When everything was said and done, only 41,190 of these bad boys were ever made.
Frank Sinatra — 1958 Eldorado Cadillac
Possibly the most successful singer of the 20th century, Frank Sinatra, who has sold about 150 million records worldwide, knew what style was. Leave it to him to have the most luxurious cruiser of all time. The 1940s icon led an illustrious life and owned 10 cars during his time. Yet his 1958 Eldorado Cadillac was his most treasured set of wheels.
The legendary singer could be spotted cruising around town, like "cool" personified in his deluxe and extravagant machine. The Eldorado model was part of the Cadillac line from 1953 to 2002 and was, in fact, the longest-running luxury car in America. The Brougham model was super expensive, costing more than the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud of the same period.
Al Capone — Cadillac 341 Town Sedan
The toughest New York gangster of the 1920s sure as heck didn't drive around in any hunk of metal. Al Capone had an impressive set of wheels. A crucial part of the gangster's "business" was a lot of weaponry and a stylish Cadillac — a 341 Town Sedan. But this was no ordinary Cadillac.
With the help of his local mechanic, the mob boss made some tweaks and transformed it into an armored fortress on wheels. The changes included 1-inch thick bulletproof glass windows on the front, rear, and both sides, an engine boost to up the speed to 110 MPH, steel plates in all the doors, and even a police siren. Somehow, with all of that, the guy still ended up in prison.
Franklin D. Roosevelt — 1936 Ford Phaeton
It's no secret that FDR kept America standing, even though he had some troubles standing on his own. Roosevelt was, unfortunately, wheelchair-bound and couldn't operate a standard car. But when you're the President of the United States, some concessions can be made. Roosevelt could still indulge in his favorite activity — driving.
Despite his disability, the 32nd President happily drove around Hyde Park in a modified 1936 Ford Phaeton. The car was designed by Fred Relyea, a mechanic from New York. Relyea installed hand controls so that he could operate it without the use of legs. He drove the car until his death, at which point it was given to his wife Eleanor. After being driven 19,143 miles, it was put on display at Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Fatty Arbuckle — 1923 McFarlan 154 Knickerbocker Cabriolet
Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle was probably one of the biggest slapstick stars in the silent era. Arbuckle was so huge in fact, that Paramount Pictures offered him a $1 million-a-year deal, which was unheard of in 1921. Pretty soon after the actor signed this life-changing contract, the goods started to flow. One of the first things on the list was new wheels.
Of course, it was the 1923 McFarlan Model 154 Knickerbocker Cabriolet that really sent that message home. Alas, as many Hollywood fairy tales go, Arbuckle got a little too big for his boots and found himself wrapped up in some pretty big scandals. After he lost everything, including the car, his career spiraled into nothingness.
William Boyd — 1933 Duesenberg J Torpedo Victoria Convertible
The original Western star started off as a simple orange picker and became the quintessential cowboy during the 1920s Western era. With his extremely good looks and his magnetic screen presence, he got a starring role in "Hopalong Cassidy," the film that immortalized him. Boyd rose to fame very quickly and earned a pretty good fortune.
With that newfound fame and fortune, this cowboy got himself a 1933 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Victoria Convertible. It's safe to say that the star of over 60 blockbuster films drove the most luxurious and powerful car of the late 1920s and 30s and was the symbol of the pre-Great Depression opulence of America. It's estimated to fetch $1.2m-$1.6m.
Gary Morton — 1962 Ghia L 6.4 Coupe
Funny guy Garry Morton was a famed New York stand-up comic. While he may have made a bit of a name for himself at his usual hotel and resort gigs in upstate New York, he was really known as Lucille Ball's second husband. The comedian managed a long part of her very successful career and had a pretty comfortable life in Hollywood.
He sure did show it with his wheels. The unique 1962 Ghia L 6.4 coupe is a rare gem and is the perfect combination and Italian artistry and American horsepower. This special hybrid was the perfect solution to the modernizing style that was popular at the time.
Pete Townshend — 1970 Mercedes S 600 Pullman
Not the most typical Benz owner, Pete Townshend was a pretty out-of-control rocker in the 60s and 70s as the central figure in the legendary band, The Who. One would think he'd be cruising around in a sleek red convertible, but Townshend seemed to opt for an old luxury parade car — a 1970 Mercedes S 600 Pullman.
The automobile had the combined qualities of an old race car with the classic characteristics of the traditional landaulet. This "unique automotive treasure" is traditionally used to transport world leaders through parades and has driven people such as Queen Elizabeth Elisabeth II, Pope Paul VI, and his successors, and of course various heads of state. Interesting choice, Pete.
Freddie Mercury — 1950 Studebaker Champion
It's likely that Freddie was feeling inspired to write his "We Are the Champions" chart-topper when he was zooming down in his 1950 Studebaker Champion. Taking a spin in this car can make anyone feel like a hero. Truthfully, if any rockstar had to own this four-wheeled treasure chest, we're glad it was the legendary Freddie Mercury.
The Queen frontman had a great love for cars. In fact, he had quite the collection, but the Studebaker Champion was his most precious possession. The designer Raymond Loewy, an American manufacturer, was inspired by the bullet nose of an aircraft when he created the car. It was also built with the philosophy that the lighter the better — a new approach to the creation of cars back then, and something that has actually held until this day (with a few exceptions of course.)
Jeff Beck — 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe
The rock and blues innovator behind the band, the Yardbirds, was as eccentric as they come, and his style in music is as interesting as his taste in cars was. A known vehicle collector, Beck probably had a few garages filled with vintage cars, but his Ford Deuce Coupe was arguably his favorite. His 1932 three-window Ford Coupe, is directly copied from the classic film "American Graffiti." Why did he copy this exactly?
Well, he lost it at an auction and thought to himself, "Well, I'll just make it instead!" The musician expressed his passion for driving, which is why he kept himself busy with tinkering all these vintage classics. In an interview with USA Today, he was horrified about learning that the manufacturer of his precious Coupe now wants to release a line of autonomous (self-driving) cars.
Bruce Springsteen — Chevrolet Corvette
The American Dream personified, Bruce Springsteen was just a regular working-class fella from New Jersey. After a string of successful hits like "Born to Run" and "Promised Land," the red, blue, and white-blooded rocker bought his Chevrolet Corvette in 1975. The car has appeared on a number of albums and singles, no surprise as nothing sells more records than a tough Bruce in his ripped sleeves and a hot Corvette.
The vehicle was for some time one of the most prized pieces at the National Constitution Center, where they displayed the American singer's life in objects. Fans could enjoy everything from his guitars, cars, and various sentimental pieces that he took along with him on the road.
John Lennon — 1964 Rolls Royce Mulliner Park Ward Phantom V
The 1964 Rolls Royce Mulliner Park Ward Phantom V was once a staple of the royal family, belonging to the late Queen Elizabeth II and her mother. But there is one owner who even exceeds their popularity, and that was none other than The Beatles legend, John Lennon. This was no regular classic Rolls, however. Lennon got a completely custom-made design to perfectly fit in with his 60s psychedelic style.
The whole job cost him about 11,000 pounds (nearly $240,000 in today’s value). Lennon commissioned Artist Steve Weaver to paint the red, orange, green, and blue swirls, floral side panels, and a Libra on the roof as well as private coach makers J.P. Fallon Ltd. in the style of a Romany wagon.
Keith Moon — 1972 Ferrari Dino 246
Fueled by an extremely wild and toxic lifestyle, The Who's Keith Moon let it all out on the road with his purchase of the 1972 Ferrari Dino 246. That car didn't last long, and the drummer lost his precious baby to some drunk thugs outside a local pub. Before you go on and feel sorry for him, the story goes like this:
Enjoying a summer night at the pub, some kids admired his car. Without a moment's thought, Moon handed the keys over, offering them a spin. So the kids did not come back and Moon accepted it was "Goodbye Ferrari." Fortunately (we think), on his sad walk home, he discovered his wrecked brand-new car in a ditch.
Sonny & Cher — 1966 Mustang
The hippest couple in history, Sonny and Cher, who sang duets together about love and peace, had matching his-and-hers 1966 Mustangs (yellow for him and pink for her). The cars were the perfect touch to their loving union. Custom-made and adjusted to each one's liking, the pair inspired couples around the world to look just like them.
To say it was a publicity stunt would be an understatement. Created to mirror the personalities of the singing husband and wife duo, Sonny Bono and Cher, these two 1966 Mustangs came in two different sizes. Sonny's had a little more horsepower than Cher's, but both had power steering, faux-wood steering wheels, and a floor-shifted 3-speed automatic transmission.
Marky Ramone — 1965 Chrysler Imperial
The drummer behind "Blitzkrieg Bop," as you can imagine, had one impressive vehicle, though not as punk rock as you might have thought. Although, the cars of punk musicians that spring to mind aren't typically impressive. One might think of a beaten-up old van with a skull and bones graffitied all over it. Quite the opposite in this case.
Marky Ramone just happened to own the 1965 Chrysler Imperial. AKA the Green Hornet, this Chrysler suited the punk drummer pretty well. Little known fact: Ramone, actually born Marc Steven Bell (not very punk), restored the car himself completely. It sounds like that's one talented guy.
Morrissey — 1960 Fiat 850
The Smiths frontman stayed true to his nature with this simple thing. With his soulful, emotional, and anti-conventional stance, the Fiat 850 fits him like a glove. Nothing says starving and lone artist like driving through rainy London streets in a dinky 1960 Fiat. Essentially fit for a single person, Morrisey's model is slightly bigger than the more classic Fiat 500.
But this is still pretty small. With the sort of success The Smiths have had, Morrisey can certainly "get whatever he wants" and didn't really have to say "please please please" to anybody. The frontman named his wheels Giardiniera, a name which is also rumored to be the name of his favorite pizza.
Miles Davis — Lamborghini Miura
Arguably the greatest Jazz musician to have ever lived, Miles Davis had real flair. The master trumpeter and composure held a five-decade career where he consistently led the genre with his innovative stylings. While he may have been the king of the jam, he was less on top of things on the road and got himself into a nasty little accident that made headlines when he crashed his Lamborghini Miura in October 1972.
The Jazz legend who was intoxicated at the time, supposedly fell asleep at the wheel and completely totaled his car. He famously broke both ankles and was hospitalized immediately, but was released the following day. Unable to bear the loss of his treasured car, Davis immediately bought a new one. Disaster averted!
Johnny Cash — 1970 Rolls-Royce Shadow LWB
Yup. Johnny Cash hit it big with hits like "I Walk the Line" and "Ring of Fire." Not only that, he also got his own variety show on ABC — "The Johnny Cash Show." After 58 successful episodes and high ratings, the television network gave him a very special gift.
The gift was none other than one of the most impressive cars of the time — the 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow LWB (long wheelbase). That car sure was a statement about the success of the show and the impact that Cash had on American music. While that sure is some gift, we can't help but wonder if ol' Johnny would have preferred a Cadillac.
Janis Joplin — 1964 Porsche 365
Janis Joplin traveled all over America singing her heart out, and she did it all in her precious 1964 Porsche 365. Her colorfully decorated car got a lot of attention on the road. Hugely popular now, it's sad to know that Joplin wasn't exactly rolling in the cash back then. She did, however, manage to splurge a little on an awesome set of wheels.
The musician bought it from a used car dealership for $3, 500. She and her roadie, Dave Richards decorated the car with portraits and various motifs such as "The Eye of God," "Big Brother," and apparently Jimmi Hendrix's "pile of vomit." The restored cabriolet was sold for $1.76 million at RM Sotheby's "Driven by Disruption" sale in New York City.